Guidance for Use of GenAI Tools
The Provost’s Office and Tulane University’s Information Technology (IT) department are providing these guidelines to encourage community members to carefully consider several key factors when using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) software. These factors include information security, data privacy, compliance with university policies and regulations, confidentiality agreements concerning third-party information, intellectual property rights (such as copyright and patent law), and academic integrity.
For Tulane Faculty and Instructors:
We recommend utilizing resources and guidance available through The Innovative Learning Center (ILC) and The Center for Engaged Learning and Teaching (CELT) on the use of generative AI in teaching and learning.
Consult with IT When Uncertain of Correct Use of Gen AI
Tulane IT is collaborating with the university’s IT Governance Committee and Office of General Counsel to establish appropriate terms for vendor agreements related to generative AI tools.
If your department, lab, or center is already using a generative AI tool, ensure that it complies with university policies and information protection guidelines. Contact Tulane IT for a consultation if needed, especially for tools used in sensitive areas such as recruitment, academic evaluation, financial decisions, or conflict resolution.
Do not use generative AI tools for high-risk activities (e.g., hiring, student assessments, or legal matters) without first consulting with the Tulane IT and Information Security.
Protect Tulane Data and Confidential Information
As with any information technology at Tulane, your use of generative AI tools must comply with applicable federal and state laws (such as FERPA and HIPAA), university policies (including academic and research integrity, privacy, and information policies), and the Information Protection standards outlined by the university. Departments, labs, and centers may have additional policies that must also be followed.
Avoid entering Medium or High Risk Tulane information into publicly available generative AI tools that are not covered by a university licensing agreement. This includes non-public research data, unpublished papers, confidential information from research partners, financial and human resources information, student records, medical data, and any information subject to legal or regulatory safeguarding.
Please see the Office of Information Security's full guidance for Gen AI use.
Ensure Accuracy Before Publishing AI-Generated Content
Keep in mind that information generated by AI tools may be inaccurate, incomplete, biased, or fabricated. You are responsible for verifying the accuracy of any content, including AI-generated material, before publishing or sharing it.
Be Transparent About Your Use of AI Tools
Disclose the use of generative AI tools in academic, educational, and research-related activities. If research results or publications include AI-generated content, you must clearly state how AI was used in the creation of that content.
Workshops
AI Platform Feature Comparison
AI Tool |
Hot Take |
| Microsoft Copilot | Ideal for those needing enterprise-grade security and productivity tools. Use it primarily if data privacy is a major concern. |
| ChatGPT | The most robust and powerful, especially with the paid version. Best for creative and conversational needs. The paid version is the ultimate all-around AI. |
| Claude | Its language model is beautiful, and it provides better and more organic outputs. |
| Google Gemini | Very fast, but the language model can be lacking in depth. Good for quick information needs. |
| Meta AI | Excellent at handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Great for multitasking and research. |
| Perplexity.ai | Think of it as an AI married to a search engine. Perfect for real-time web searching and information retrieval. |
| Grok AI | Lightning fast and integrated with X, making it ideal for users of the platform seeking quick, witty responses. |
